French Conversation · Level 51
75 words
French word
hésiter
Pronunciation
IPA/ezite/
Meaning
- verbhesitate
Example
J'hésite entre ces deux robes.
I'm hesitating between these two dresses.
More examples
Il hésite à accepter l'offre.
He hesitates to accept the offer.
Core concept
A hand reaches toward one option, stops, and remains suspended between alternatives.
Common phrases
hésiter à faire
hesitate to ___
hésiter entre ... et ...
hesitate between ___ and ___
ne pas hésiter à faire
do not hesitate to ___
Similar words
douter: To question whether something is true or correct and lack certainty.
se tâter: To waver over taking action without actually taking the step.
Definition in French
Ne pas réussir à prendre une décision immédiatement, soit entre plusieurs choix, soit avant d'entreprendre une action.
Word origin
Hésiter is inherited from Latin haesitare, formed from haerere, whose sense of remaining attached developed into indecision.
Usage tips
- In ne pas hésiter à faire quelque chose, the phrase means that the action is encouraged without restraint.